The wooden owl sat atop Little Barn restaurant — not, as some readers guessed, Sherwood Diner, Minute Man Yacht Club, Rive Bistro or Riversside Avenue.(See the photo here.)
If we gave prizes, free meals would go to Andrew Colabella, Rachel Sara Halperin, Arthur Hayes, Amy Schneider and Orlando Lehnerd-Reilly.
We go back on the roof for thsi week’s Photo Challenge.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
The 9th annual Dog Festival is today (Sunday), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Winslow Park.
Crazy competitions, vendors, an obstacle course, K-9 demos, food trucks, photos, adoptables, Gilbert the Party Pig — your dog is already tugging at his leash to go.
It’s $10 per person, $30 for a family of 4. Dogs are free!
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The first Y’s Men of Westport & Weston media panel discussion, featuring Senator Richard Blumenthal — about coverage of the 2024 election — riveted a Westport Library audience earlier this year.
The next one — June 1 (2 p.m.) should be just as compelling.
The focus is on how well print, electronic and social media covered the first 100 days of the Trump administration.
Panelists include: Congressman Jim Himes; Alisyn Camerota, author, blogger and veteran of CNN and Fox News; Rebecca Surran, the longtime face and voice for local news at News 12; Jim Marpe, former Westport 1st selectman, and Aaron Weinstein of Fairfield University’s media department.
The Westport Downtown Association adds some fun facts about their 52nd annual Fine Arts Festival, set for next weekend (May 24-25) on Main and Elm Streets, and Church Lane:
261 artists applied for 167 spots, in 14 categories. They come from 19 states.
Seven are from Westport: Mikhail Zakhalov (jewelry), Mary Ann Neilson (painting), Gali Katz (printmaking), and photographers Nancy Breakstone, Tom Kretsch, Ron Lake and John Videler.
42 artists — the most ever — will make their debut festival appearance.
Photographer Nancy Breakstone returns to the Fine Arts Festival.
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AWARE is one of my favorite organizations.
The acronym stands for Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education, and that’s exactly what these Westport women do.
Each year, they choose one very worthy local nonprofit. They raise funds — but do much, much more.
All year long, they offer hands-on involvement. They dive deep into each organization’s work, get their hands dirty with volunteer work, and form deep friendships with leaders and participants.
This year’s beneficiary is Bridgeport’s Center for Family Justice. They do crucial work helping people who have experienced physical and mental abuse.
AWARE’s partnership this year has included workshops for their clients, including budgeting, yoga, nutrition and makeovers, along with events for children in their programs.
A “Justice in Bloom” fundraiser is set for May 29 (6 to 8 p.m.). It includes cocktails, light bites, and a chance to meet Center for Family Justice representatives.
Like many readers, Aimee Monroy Smith was moved by Matthew Gotto’s recent “06880” Opinion piece about drastic cuts proposed for the Bridgeport school system.
She writes: “I am a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club. Twice a year we read at Luis Muñoz Marin Elementary School. It is an amazing school, and always an enjoyable experience.
“This year, a fellow Rotarian recommended taking the next step to support the classrooms, by giving through DonorChoose.org. It supports teachers who request specific items for their classrooms.
“Following up this idea, I noticed that the Dalio Foundation is matching all contributions.”
Click on DonorChoose here; then select “See Classroom Projects,” and select “Bridgeport, CT” from the map.
Matthew Gatto, with Blackham Elementary School students.
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A Westport woman wanted to give back to the community she loves.
She posted on social media that she’d be giving away dozens of tomatoes and dahlia bulbs, at the foot of her driveway.
They were gone quickly.
Because one person took them all — every plant. Plus the table they were sitting on, which the woman’s daughter had made (and had great sentimental value).
The selfish thief even took the broken crate the dahlias were in. And a dirty towel.
The woman had been planning her next giveaway to the community: 40 pepper plants.
But no longer. She figures one person does not deserve all of them, too.
Plants, table and crate, before they were all taken.
Wakeman Town Farm tells all local chefs, caterers and foodie friends that their farmer expects a big haul of 100 heads of freshly grown organic lettuces, and 70 pounds of garlic scapes in early June.
Westport Rotary Club, the Sunrise Rotary and Westport Police Department joined together yesterday, on a food drive for Homes with Hope.
It was their first-ever at Big Y. As they always do — wherever volunteers collect for a pantry, or any other good cause — Westporters came through.
Community service, at Big Y.
Quickly, the donations were delivered to the Gillespie Center:
But that was not the only service rendered by Rotarians, on their worldwide day of community work.
They also gardened at the men’s and women’s shelters on Jesup Green … among many other activities.
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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that the Independence Day fireworks are set for July 2. We should add that the rain date is July 3.
And although the press release said that tickets would be available at the Parks & Recreation Department office in Longshore starting May 26, that’s Memorial Day. They’ll be closed. They’ll be open May 27, of course.
And the police station never closes, so they’ll have tickets on May 26.
Getting ready for Westport’s biggest party. (Drone photo/Charlie Scott)
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Speaking of Compo Beach: the Parks & Recreation Department has partnered with the Westport Arts Advisory Committee to launch a brand-new initiative: the Compo Mural Art Competition.
Residents are invited to design a mural that will bring “color, creativity and connection to the spirit of Compo Beach…. This can include sea life, beaches, marine landscapes, water activities, or the general beauty and vibe of the coastal area.” The site is the long white wall on the side of the Hook’d concession building.
All ages and levels of ability can enter. Submissions can be emailed to pkoskinas@westportct.gov, or dropped off at the Parks & Rec office in Longshore. The deadline is July 7. Full competition details can be found here. (Hat tip: Britt Steel)
Who was that on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival Friday night?
Cameron Mann.
Cameron Mann (far left) at Cannes.
The 2024 Staples graduate — known for, among other things, his role in “Mare of Easttown” (spoiler alert: He was the killler) — is part of the cast of “Eddington.”
The film — starring Austin Butler, Emma Stone, Pedro Pascal and Joaquin Phoenix — debuted at the 78th annual French event. According to Variety, it earned a 5-minute standing ovation.
A commentary on American social discourse, it follows “a standoff between a small-town sheriff (Phoenix) and mayor (Pascal)” that “sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico.”
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Westport’s longtime information technology director Eileen Zhang is retiring.
She joined the town 30 years ago, when IT infrastucture was just beginning. She helped build Westport’s information systems and digital services across all departments.
When a successor is named this summer, he or she will be our first new information technology director of the millennium.
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Westporters have many reasons to be grateful for Miggs Burroughs.
The Staples High School graduate and Artists Collective of Westport co-founder has contributed many works to town, from his lenticular art at the train station and Main Street “Tunnel of Love,” to the 150th-anniversary flag he designed in 1986.
Now he’s done it again.
The Senior Center is presenting “Gratitude,” a series of his photos. They show 9 people, each expressing a letter from the word “gratitude,” in American Sign Language.
Through his lenticular technique, their hands appear to move. A simple gesture transforms into a powerful tribute to appreciation and connection.
The models — all associated with the Senior Center — are Prill Boyle, Penny Pearlman, Janet Turansky, George Kleros, Ruth Taranto, Janice Burke, Leslie markus, Molly Algera and Lee Walther.
Miggs Burroughs, with his “Gratitude” exhibit at the Senior Center.
Today’s brilliant “Westport … Naturally” image comes from Thursday’s Westport Farmers’ Market. Amy Schneider saw — at photographed — it at the Muddy Feet Flower Farm stand.
And finally … Charles Strouse — the Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Broadway composer of hits like “Annie” and “Bye Bye Birdie” — died Thursday in Manhattan. He was 96. A full obituary is here.
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Kasey Feeley is a junior at Staples High School. She’s an executive producer for “On the Wreckord,” the very creative, extremely well crafted, and highly entertaining TV interview/news/entertainment show produced by Inklings, the school news source.
However, she says, the show may be in jeopardy.
Journalism teachers Joseph DelGobbo and Mary Elizabeth Fulco have dedicated dozens of hours of personal time to stay after school, and supervise filming in the TV studio.
Both have young children. They have decided — reluctantly — to step down, unless funding can be found.
(In addition to a stipend for the staff members, funds would also pay for recording technology for remote segments. Kasey has spent her own money on microphones, and brought equipment from home for others to ensure quality.)
The Board of Education Finance & Facilities Committee is in charge of stipends. Yet, Kasey says, it has not met since January.
“On the Wreckord” has not been recognized as a program, Kasey says, despite providing content for the student boyd and staff or years.
“The only way for us to advocate for ourselves is a committee that seemingly is in hibernation,” she adds.
“But I have never felt more driven to be civically engaged, and advocate for something.
Kasey sent this to assistant principal Christine Cincotta, and the Westport Board of Education:
Video editing has been a passion of mine since I was 8 or 9, meaning I’ve been filming and editing my own content as a dedicated hobby for almost 10 years.
After seeing “On the Wreckord” for the first time freshman year, I decided I wanted to become involved. This year I finally joined Inklings, taking Introduction to Journalism and Advanced Journalism for the chance of joining On the Wreckord.
Through dedication and showing my passion for media production, I was able to land the role of executive producer alongside sophomore Brooke Kirkham for 2025.
Kasey Feeley’s On the Wreckord graphic.
However, due to a lack of funding, it is highly likely the program will not continue next year. Not only is this devastating for me and Brooke, who share a passion for filmmaking, but it’s also disappointing for the Connections classes and teachers who enjoy watching once a month.
Through “On the Wreckord,” Staples students get a chance to look into the lives of their fellow students and see perspectives they might not otherwise see, whether that’s finding the best water fountain or hearing an interview from a teacher or student you haven’t met before.
It effectively turns Staples into an environment full of familiar faces, not just passing peers.
In the few weeks I have been in this role since I was appointed in April, and through preparing for this Thursday’s edition, I have seen the extent to which OTW connects our Staples community.
I watched people in and outside of Inklings show upfor each other, each segment creator dedicating time from their personal and school lives to make quality segments.
While our program is not perfect, it is the heart of student broadcasting: connecting community.
The loss of this program would be detrimental to the Inklings community, as Brooke and I would lose our jobs, and our fellow Inklings staff members would lose a creative outlet unlike any other offered at Staples.
I am someone who has always done performing arts. I understand how terrifying putting yourself out there can be for anyone who didn’t grow up in a theatrical or musical environment.
But in my time at “On the Wreckord,” I have watched students take that leap and put themselves out there.
This program brings out a confidence in young adults unlike any other, as they present their passion for journalism to the entire student body and staff.
These are students who may otherwise not get the valuable performing experience that others get from Staples Players, rhetoric class, music classes, etc.
It also teaches segment creators how to use video editing software, an increasingly important skill in our rapidly developing technologically centered world.
The ending of “On the Wreckord” would be the end of one of Staples’ most valuable assets for student expression. I waited 3 years to be a part of this unique, dedicated community, and I’m not ready to give up on it just yet.
Kasey Feeley — shown here in the hallway outside Staples’ TV studio — has gained skills and confidence through On the Wreckord.
As someone who has taken classes like Radio 1 & 2, Theater, and Narrative Film Production, where you spend hours creating media that doesn’t typically leave your classroom, I have grown to appreciate the platform that On the Wreckord gives student producers, directors, broadcast hosts, etc.
Outside of “On the Wreckord,” there aren’t any programs at Staples that enable students to produce content that is published and shown to their peers outside of video editing or film classes.
I also see “On the Wreckord” as an opportunity to encourage other students. If Brooke or I can spend hours editing and filming to present something authentic with confidence, they can have confidence in their work as well.
Seeing “On the Wreckord” freshman year inspired me to pursue my passion for media production. I want to be that inspiration for any other students who want to find that confidence in themselves, who want to be involved in the Staples community, and connect with others over a shared passion for journalism and media.
Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein replied to Kasey: “I will ask our superintendent for information about this program/budget and get back to you.”
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. We especially welcome student submissions. Email 06880blog@gmail.com.)
There have been plenty of fireworks in Westport lately. Explosive topics have divided residents, in sharp ways.
But one set of fireworks everyone can agree on: Those celebrating our nation’s independence.
The 60+ year Westport PAL tradition honoring America’s 249th anniversary returns Wednesday, July 2 at (of course) Compo Beach.
The other day to mark on calendars is Monday, May 26. That’s when tickets go on sale at both the Westport Parks & Recreation office in Longshore, and the police station on Jesup Road.
Westport’s greatest party returns July 2. (Photo/Elissa Moses)
Tickets are $75 (cash or check), and help fund dozens of PAL programs throughout the year.
Long-time Westport residents and Staples graduates Melissa and Doug Bernstein are once again sponsoring the fireworks.
“This is our favorite time of year in Westport, seeing this amazing community gather together for such a joy-filled event,” the couple say.
Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo adds, “Westport PAL, in conjunction with the town, is honored to plan, coordinate and deliver another year of firework’s festivities. This is our largest fundraising event, and we appreciate the community’s continued support.”
Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo (2nd from right) hands the ceremonial 1st fireworks ticket to Doug Bernstein, at the newly refurbished Compo Beach playground. They’re joined by (front row, from right) Melissa Bernstein and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and Parks & Recreation and PAL officials.
Applications must be made at least 7 days in advance. They’re limited to 1 reservation per household per season (a second may be granted, based on availability).
The centerpiece is Westport Pride’s townwide celebration (Saturday, June 22, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Jesup Green). Music, food, vendors, rainbows and much more — and (of course) everyone is invited!
Two weeks earlier (June 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Saugatuck Congregational Church hosts a family picnic and party on their front lawn
LGBTQ families — and allies, or course, — are invited to enjoy a bounce house, lawn games, face painting, crafts, hot dogs, cake, and more.
For more information, call 203-227-1261, or email sarah@saugatuckchurch.org.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Temple Israel has a host of activities planned for Pride Month too. They include:
“Unspoken” screening and discussion (June 10, 6 p.m.). The film is about a closeted teen in a religious community who discoverd that he might not be alone. A discussion with writer/director Jeremy Borison follows. Register here.
Pride Shabbat and concert with Elana Arian (June 13, 6:30 p.m.) open to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
Rainbow challah bake (June 21, 5:30 to 8 p.m.) — to be shared the next day, at Westport Pride. Open to all; register here.
Temple Israel is also organizing its first LGBTQ+ affinity group — a safe place for those who identify with the community, and allies. For more information, email jcadrain@tiwestport.org.
Meanwhile, Weston celebrates its own Pride on June 3 (4 to 6 p.m., Town Green, 56 Norfield Road).
They’ll raise a rainbow flag, hear from local officials supporting the town’s inclusive culture, and (in conjunction with the Weston Library) host a craft- and Pride-themed story time.
Oh, yeah: There’s an ice cream truck too!
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The Westport Library’s spring book sale opened yesterday, with a rush.
But there are still plenty of great volumes — and music, movies and more — available.
Hours are:
Today (Saturday): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (almost everything half-price)
Monday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (fill our logo bag for $10 per bag, or your own equivalent bag for $8, or buy individual books at half-price).
A tiny portion of the many books. (Photo/Pam Docters)
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The Architectural Review Board meets on May 27 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).
Among the agenda items: “To review and comment on the proposed construction of a new Long Lots Elementary School/Stepping Stones Pre-School…. Comments offered at the meeting will be considered in anticipation of further zoning review and approvals.”
So far, only general drawings have been shown of a new Long Lots School.
In just a few weeks,”Sunday Gravy” — the talk radio show hosted by Chris O’Dell (Staples High School athlete and coach), Mac DeVito (Staples football legend and coach), and Brian Philpott (son of Staples’ football defensive coordinator) — has gained a devoted following.
The conversation and banter is wide-ranging, casual, and always interesting.
Tomorrow’s show — from 12:10 to 1 p.m., on 95.9 FM and 600 AM WICC should be especially intriguing.
The 3 hosts will dive into the recent controversy involving the non-renewal of Staples boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense.
O’Dell has intimate knowledge of the situation. He was part of the Staples soccer staff for 20 years, and worked closely with Oost-Lievense.
“Sunday Gravy” is broadcast throughout southern Connecticut. But it’s very much a local production. Shows are taped at the Westport Library’s Verso Studios — and the 2 stations are owned by Westport-based Connoisseur Media.
“Sunday Gravy” crew, at Verso Studios (from left): Mac DeVito, Brian Philpott, Chris O’Dell.
As they prepare to leave Westport after several decades, Carl Swanson and JoAnn Miller must dispose of several large, compelling — but heavy — sculptures by their longtime friend, the late Kelley Spearen.
One has already found a new life. The couple donated it to Wakeman Town Farm, not far from their home off North Avenue.
The move was made recently. Today, it’s the newest — and most intriguing — addition to the Cross Highway farm.
The mural showing early-20th century Westport life — a decades-long feature of the long-gone Townly restaurant — was resurrected when Banana Republic moved in.
That store was briefly replaced by Oka. Now it’s gone.
But the mural can be seen, as work is done inside.
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Posted onMay 17, 2025|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #266
Come on in! The gallery’s open!
And don’t be shy. All “06880” readers are welcome to submit art. No matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
This feature is open to all. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone can contribute.
Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
Untitled (Eric Bosch — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)“From Coast to Coasters” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Reclining Brood” — abstract paper collage (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Imaginary Landscape” — acrylic (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase, 16 x 28, $385 — Click here)
“Some Trees in May” (Peter Barlow)
“Scenery” (Karen Weingarten)
“A Westie in the Wind” (Dorrie Barlow Thomas)
“Fields of Color” — digital photograph converted to oil painting via Photoshop — Available for purchase; click here)
“This is What Happened When I Left My Gummy Bears in a Warm Car” (Amy Schneider)
“Jelly Fish” — Compo Beach (Patricia Auber)
“WARNING: Strawberry Poisonous Dart Frog of Central America — Do Not Touch/Do Not Lick” (Steve Stein)
“Thougtful” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Jim Wolf captained the 2000 Staples High School boys soccer team. He now serves as president of the Westport Soccer Association, and is a member of the Staples Boys Soccer Foundation.
As discussions continue about athletic fields and artificial turf, he writes:
My wife Lizzie and I both graduated from Staples in 2001. We quickly and enthusiastically moved back to our hometown from New York City after our third child was born. We have 3 children at Greens Farms Elementary School.
After moving back, I immediately became involved in the local youth soccer programs that had such a meaningful impact on my life. Our Westport Soccer Association is a non-profit that organizes travel and rec programs for more than 1,600 kids each fall and spring.
Similar to other youth organizations in town, participation levels for the WSA have increased significantly in the post-COVID years. Our enrollment has grown more than 30% compared to 2020.
This spring we are fielding 33 travel teams. We anticipate that number to increase as the current pre-K and rec players filter up into the travel program.
Each additional travel team requires an incremental 4 to 5 hours of field time per week. There was not capacity for this growth even before the Long Lots fields were taken offline.
Other town youth sports and high school programs are seeing similar enrollment increases. The existing grass fields have become over-utilized and unrested, and significantly deteriorated in quality.
Put plainly, and as many are aware, the current field inventory in Westport is inadequate. Player safety, given field conditions, is increasingly concerning.
Lower soccer fields at Long Lots Elementary School will soon be closed.
At this point, many Westport kids unfortunately will not be able to participate. Our young athletes are at risk of missing out on the numerous developmental benefits of youth athletics.
Based on the studies presented during the Long Lots construction discussions, it is understood that there are limited opportunities to create new fields in Westport, and maintaining the existing over-utilized grass fields requires more financial resources.
The community desperately needs new investment in the fields. Lighting and artificial surfaces are both reasonable and actionable solutions.
The limited budget allocated to fields to date has resulted in the WSA and other youth programs paying a meaningful per player fee to generate incremental revenue to invest in the existing fields.
Poor condition of Wakeman grass field (lower portion of photo) can be seen from the air.
This was not ideal for our families. But we stressed the importance of the supplemental funding, and the parent community has been willing to do their part for the kids.
Given the availability and quality of the grass fields, turfing in the safest way, using the newest products available must not only be considered, but expedited. The kids and the broader community cannot afford to have an RTM ruling or process that slows down progress.
All opportunities to expand field capacity and improve quality (ranging from lighting to irrigation to resting) should be quickly acted upon. Any ordinance that limits optionality or speed of development would be incredibly unfortunate. We are already years behind other communities on this.
How hard is it to resolve to improve fields for Westport’s kids in the safest way possible?
(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email 06880blog@gmail.com.)
The Westport Country Playhouse has always attracted Big Names.
Stars from Henry and Jane Fonda to James Earl Jones have performed in shows.
On Monday, David Sedaris takes the stage. (It’s already sold out.)
In the next 2 months alone, the Playhouse plays host to Rosanne Cash, Candace Bushnell, and Justin Paul & Benj Pasek.
But it’s unlikely neither they — nor anyone else — ever arrived at the historic theater the way Gloria Swanson did in 1961.
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
And when was the last time you saw a 1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud in the parking lot?
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“From Coast to Coasters” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; 
After moving back, I immediately became involved in the local youth soccer programs that had such a meaningful impact on my life. Our Westport Soccer Association is a non-profit that organizes travel and rec programs for more than 1,600 kids each fall and spring.
